About the Marsh |
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The Dufferin Marsh is a wetland that provides for a variety of natural features and functions. During major rainfall or spring melt it becomes inundated with water, protecting other areas from flooding. The water held in the Marsh is cleansed through biological processes and filtered into the ground, recharging the groundwater system. The Dufferin Marsh contains a variety of plant communities, which support resident and migratory birds and animals. More than 50 species of birds have been observed in the wetland. The avian diversity is unusual and significant for a small wetland.
There are two bird species that have been sighted within the wetland that are provincially significant; the Cooper's Hawk and the Loggerhead Shrike. The Red-bellied Woodpecker has also been spotted in the wetland and is regionally significant.
Within plant communities there are a few species of significance. Hill's Pondweed is found in the pond areas and is nationally rare. Torrey's Manna Grass found in the wet riparian areas is rare regionally. A hawthorn species common to drier areas is also regionally rare.
No one could miss the frogs early in the spring as their calls echo down Main Street all night and day. Frogs and toads are numerous, representing eight of the possible ten species found in the area.
Chimneys of burrowing crayfish are common along the edges of the wetland. Chimney Crayfish are at the northern limit of their range in this wetland.
The Dufferin Marsh is part of a continuum of green space that extends from the Oak Ridges Moraine to Lake Simcoe.
There are two bird species that have been sighted within the wetland that are provincially significant; the Cooper's Hawk and the Loggerhead Shrike. The Red-bellied Woodpecker has also been spotted in the wetland and is regionally significant.
Within plant communities there are a few species of significance. Hill's Pondweed is found in the pond areas and is nationally rare. Torrey's Manna Grass found in the wet riparian areas is rare regionally. A hawthorn species common to drier areas is also regionally rare.
No one could miss the frogs early in the spring as their calls echo down Main Street all night and day. Frogs and toads are numerous, representing eight of the possible ten species found in the area.
Chimneys of burrowing crayfish are common along the edges of the wetland. Chimney Crayfish are at the northern limit of their range in this wetland.
The Dufferin Marsh is part of a continuum of green space that extends from the Oak Ridges Moraine to Lake Simcoe.
The Opportunity
A management plan was completed in October 2000, which focused on the protection and enhancement of the Dufferin Marsh. This plan set out recommendations for long term monitoring and management of the natural features of the wetland and an outline for education programs. Over the next several years, the Dufferin Marsh Nature Connection, in co-operation with the Township of King, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, and Schomberg community groups will be implementing the management plan. This will include opportunities for community involvement in trail building, planting and other projects related to the enhancement of the wetland. In addition, education programs and self- guided signage will be developed for the public and school groups.
In the middle of our village is a unique and valuable ecosystem. It is an asset to the community as it provides a place for wildlife observation, solitude and nature education. It exists as a reminder of our relationship with nature.
A management plan was completed in October 2000, which focused on the protection and enhancement of the Dufferin Marsh. This plan set out recommendations for long term monitoring and management of the natural features of the wetland and an outline for education programs. Over the next several years, the Dufferin Marsh Nature Connection, in co-operation with the Township of King, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, and Schomberg community groups will be implementing the management plan. This will include opportunities for community involvement in trail building, planting and other projects related to the enhancement of the wetland. In addition, education programs and self- guided signage will be developed for the public and school groups.
In the middle of our village is a unique and valuable ecosystem. It is an asset to the community as it provides a place for wildlife observation, solitude and nature education. It exists as a reminder of our relationship with nature.
Our Vision
The Dufferin Marsh Nature Connection, in co-operation with the Township of King and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority is committed to supporting the protection and management of the Marsh as a natural feature.
We Believe That:
The Dufferin Marsh Nature Connection, in co-operation with the Township of King and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority is committed to supporting the protection and management of the Marsh as a natural feature.
We Believe That:
- Natural spaces are essential to the well-being of people and wildlife
- Protect and enhance the Dufferin Marsh as a unique natural feature in the village of Schomberg
- Encourage the recognition of the Dufferin Marsh as an integral part of the Schomberg community
- Encourage community action through ecosystem awareness
- Promote the Dufferin Marsh as a place for passive outdoor recreation, education and nature connection
Sponsors and Friends
The best success is shared success, and our history demonstrates that. We don't work alone - we work together with other like minded community groups and organisations.
In alphabetical order...
Arts Society King Arts Society King (ASK) is dedicated to celebrating the Arts, Heritage & Nature in King Township. ASK presents month-long the Arts Society King Festival in June and July, and partners with other local groups throughout the year to make King a vibrant place to live.
BC Instruments A long-time supporter of the Dufferin Marsh, B.C. Instruments has been serving customers in the aerospace, plastic injection molding, medical, nuclear, defence and electronic industries since 1971.
Bird Studies Canada Bird Studies Canada is proudly committed to advancing the understanding, appreciation and conservation of Canada's wild birds and their habitats.
Birds and Beans Every coffee bean sold by Birds & Beans is certified by independent inspectors to meet the rigorous Smithsonian standards. This is a certification based on decades of objective scientific research. Bird Friendly(r) coffee means that migratory songbirds we know and love have a better chance to survive while on their wintering grounds in the tropics.
Cold Creek Stewardship Cold Creek Conservation Area is located is located 3.5 Km north of the King Road on the 11th Concession and south of the 16th Sideroad Township of King. Visit anytime to enjoy 6.5km marked nature trail complete with informational signage.
Doors Open Ontario From May to October, communities open the doors to some of Ontario's most intriguing and charming heritage sites. The Dufferin Marsh is proud to have been selected as a repeat location on the Doors Open list.
Ducks Unlimited Canada Ducks Unlimited Canada is part of an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl, other wildlife and people.
Earth Day Canada Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22, on which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network. The Dufferin Marsh is a repeat particpant in this awareness event, and organises cleanup activites at the Marsh on the Saturday preceeding earth Day.
Earth Hour Canada Earth Hour is a worldwide grass-roots movement for the planet organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature. Earth Hour engages a massive mainstream community on a broad range of environmental issues. The Dufferin Marsh is a repeat particpant in this awareness event.
Eco-Action Environment Canada Since 1995, Environment Canada's EcoAction Community Funding Program has provided financial support to community-based, non-profit organizations for projects, such as the Dufferin Marsh.
Evergreen Common Grounds works with community organizations, local volunteers, urban planners, park managers and other land use professionals to restore, design, maintain and steward public open spaces.
Grackle Coffee Company The Grackle Coffee Company provides good, healthy food and drink that make sense both environmentally and economically. They are the official coffee supplier to the Dufferin Marsh Committee. They also host the monthly DMC meetings - Second Tuesday of each month, at 8:00pm.
Home Depot The Home Depot is built on the principle of creating value for our stockholders while never forgetting our values. We seek to be profitable, responsible and balance the needs of our communities. They have provided financial and physical support for building activities in the Marsh.
King Township King Township is a longtime supporter of the Marsh. They provide logistical support for many of our public activities.
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority has a mission to maintain, improve and promote the health and quality of Lake Simcoe and its watershed in partnership with local municipalities and communities.
Nature Conservancy of Canada The Nature Conservancy of Canada is a Canadian private not-for-profit charitable environmental organization. The NCC works to achieve the direct protection of Canada's most important natural areas through property securement and long-term management and restoration of properties.
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters In 1928, a grass roots alliance of conservationists joined forces to become the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Today, they are the province's largest nonprofit, charitable fish and wildlife conservation organization.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources The Ministry of Natural Resources is a government ministry of the Canadian province of Ontario that responsible for Ontario's provincial parks, forests, fisheries, wildlife, mineral aggregates and the Crown lands and waters that make up 87 per cent of the province.
Ontario Stewardship Ontario Stewardship is a programme of the Ontario Ministry of natural Resources, linking landowners, land interest groups and agencies to encourage responsible lance care on pricate land.
Ontario Trillium Foundation The Ontario Trillium Foundation has provided the Dufferin Marsh Collaborative with funding which will be used to implement recommendations that were made in the Schomberg Community Plan and the Dufferin Marsh Management Plan.
Schomberg Agricultural Society The Schomberg Fair is an agricultural fair held every year by the Schomberg Agricultural Society in Schomberg, Ontario, Canada since 1850. It starts on the Thursday following Victoria Day, and runs through to Sunday. It is staged at the Schomberg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
Schomberg Lions The Schomberg Lions Club has been in existence since 1947, and throughout all that time has been dedicated to supporting local groups and causes.
Schomberg Village Association The Schomberg Village Association is a volunteer organisation dedicated to promoting and improving life in Schomberg and the surrounding area.
Sheena's Kitchen Sheena's Kitchen is a popular restaurant on Main Street in the village of Schomberg. For over twenty years, customers have enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and home-style cooking of this country kitchen. The Dufferin Marsh Committe has held it's annual June Wine Tasting event at Sheena's Kitchen for over 10 years.
Shell Environmental Fund The Shell Environmental Fund is Shell's social investment program that grants $2 million annually to environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the state of Canada's Land, Air and Water.
TD Friends of the Environment TD Friends of the Environment Foundation is committed to environmental protection and conservation.
York Environmental Stewardship York Environmental Stewardship (YES) is one of 46 Ontario Stewardship Councils and is made up of environmentally minded individuals who volunteer their time, interest, efforts, and skills to advance the responsible care of land and natural resources within the Region. Council members are dedicated to the wise use of forest, soil and aquatic resources and may represent private landowners, conservation/resource agencies and associations, environmentalists and naturalists.
York Region King Township is located in the north west 'corner' of York Region.
The best success is shared success, and our history demonstrates that. We don't work alone - we work together with other like minded community groups and organisations.
In alphabetical order...
Arts Society King Arts Society King (ASK) is dedicated to celebrating the Arts, Heritage & Nature in King Township. ASK presents month-long the Arts Society King Festival in June and July, and partners with other local groups throughout the year to make King a vibrant place to live.
BC Instruments A long-time supporter of the Dufferin Marsh, B.C. Instruments has been serving customers in the aerospace, plastic injection molding, medical, nuclear, defence and electronic industries since 1971.
Bird Studies Canada Bird Studies Canada is proudly committed to advancing the understanding, appreciation and conservation of Canada's wild birds and their habitats.
Birds and Beans Every coffee bean sold by Birds & Beans is certified by independent inspectors to meet the rigorous Smithsonian standards. This is a certification based on decades of objective scientific research. Bird Friendly(r) coffee means that migratory songbirds we know and love have a better chance to survive while on their wintering grounds in the tropics.
Cold Creek Stewardship Cold Creek Conservation Area is located is located 3.5 Km north of the King Road on the 11th Concession and south of the 16th Sideroad Township of King. Visit anytime to enjoy 6.5km marked nature trail complete with informational signage.
Doors Open Ontario From May to October, communities open the doors to some of Ontario's most intriguing and charming heritage sites. The Dufferin Marsh is proud to have been selected as a repeat location on the Doors Open list.
Ducks Unlimited Canada Ducks Unlimited Canada is part of an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl, other wildlife and people.
Earth Day Canada Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22, on which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network. The Dufferin Marsh is a repeat particpant in this awareness event, and organises cleanup activites at the Marsh on the Saturday preceeding earth Day.
Earth Hour Canada Earth Hour is a worldwide grass-roots movement for the planet organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature. Earth Hour engages a massive mainstream community on a broad range of environmental issues. The Dufferin Marsh is a repeat particpant in this awareness event.
Eco-Action Environment Canada Since 1995, Environment Canada's EcoAction Community Funding Program has provided financial support to community-based, non-profit organizations for projects, such as the Dufferin Marsh.
Evergreen Common Grounds works with community organizations, local volunteers, urban planners, park managers and other land use professionals to restore, design, maintain and steward public open spaces.
Grackle Coffee Company The Grackle Coffee Company provides good, healthy food and drink that make sense both environmentally and economically. They are the official coffee supplier to the Dufferin Marsh Committee. They also host the monthly DMC meetings - Second Tuesday of each month, at 8:00pm.
Home Depot The Home Depot is built on the principle of creating value for our stockholders while never forgetting our values. We seek to be profitable, responsible and balance the needs of our communities. They have provided financial and physical support for building activities in the Marsh.
King Township King Township is a longtime supporter of the Marsh. They provide logistical support for many of our public activities.
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority has a mission to maintain, improve and promote the health and quality of Lake Simcoe and its watershed in partnership with local municipalities and communities.
Nature Conservancy of Canada The Nature Conservancy of Canada is a Canadian private not-for-profit charitable environmental organization. The NCC works to achieve the direct protection of Canada's most important natural areas through property securement and long-term management and restoration of properties.
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters In 1928, a grass roots alliance of conservationists joined forces to become the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Today, they are the province's largest nonprofit, charitable fish and wildlife conservation organization.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources The Ministry of Natural Resources is a government ministry of the Canadian province of Ontario that responsible for Ontario's provincial parks, forests, fisheries, wildlife, mineral aggregates and the Crown lands and waters that make up 87 per cent of the province.
Ontario Stewardship Ontario Stewardship is a programme of the Ontario Ministry of natural Resources, linking landowners, land interest groups and agencies to encourage responsible lance care on pricate land.
Ontario Trillium Foundation The Ontario Trillium Foundation has provided the Dufferin Marsh Collaborative with funding which will be used to implement recommendations that were made in the Schomberg Community Plan and the Dufferin Marsh Management Plan.
Schomberg Agricultural Society The Schomberg Fair is an agricultural fair held every year by the Schomberg Agricultural Society in Schomberg, Ontario, Canada since 1850. It starts on the Thursday following Victoria Day, and runs through to Sunday. It is staged at the Schomberg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
Schomberg Lions The Schomberg Lions Club has been in existence since 1947, and throughout all that time has been dedicated to supporting local groups and causes.
Schomberg Village Association The Schomberg Village Association is a volunteer organisation dedicated to promoting and improving life in Schomberg and the surrounding area.
Sheena's Kitchen Sheena's Kitchen is a popular restaurant on Main Street in the village of Schomberg. For over twenty years, customers have enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and home-style cooking of this country kitchen. The Dufferin Marsh Committe has held it's annual June Wine Tasting event at Sheena's Kitchen for over 10 years.
Shell Environmental Fund The Shell Environmental Fund is Shell's social investment program that grants $2 million annually to environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the state of Canada's Land, Air and Water.
TD Friends of the Environment TD Friends of the Environment Foundation is committed to environmental protection and conservation.
York Environmental Stewardship York Environmental Stewardship (YES) is one of 46 Ontario Stewardship Councils and is made up of environmentally minded individuals who volunteer their time, interest, efforts, and skills to advance the responsible care of land and natural resources within the Region. Council members are dedicated to the wise use of forest, soil and aquatic resources and may represent private landowners, conservation/resource agencies and associations, environmentalists and naturalists.
York Region King Township is located in the north west 'corner' of York Region.
